Council still refusing to consult community over McCreesh Park

Sinn Féin group leader on Newry Mourne & Down District Council, Councillor Michael Ruane, has accused the SDLP and Unionist parties of continuing to treat the residents of Barcroft and Ballybot as second-class citizens.

Michael Ruane was speaking after the SDLP and unionists decided to press ahead with the disposal process for Raymond McCreesh Park without consulting the local community.

Cllr Ruane said:

“Raymond McCreesh Park is the only community asset which has been fast tracked for disposal by the SDLP and Unionist parties on the council without allowing the local community to have its views heard.

“Councillors have decided in other cases not to begin the disposal process until local communities were consulted but they continue to deny Ballybot and Barcroft residents the same rights.

“We have had to legally pursue the council to get access to recent legal advice it received which showed that the consultation process on McCreesh Park was flawed.

“Once again however, the SDLP and unionist parties have decided to force through disposal of the park.

“Council had an opportunity to do the right thing tonight but chose once again to ignore the views of the residents.

“Sinn Féin can assure them we will continue to fight for their right to have their voices heard.”